Valpo’s Matt Lottich & Kobe King @ MVC Media Day

Putting the Pieces Together

(St. Louis, MO) – Valparaiso’s journey into the Missouri Valley Conference hasn’t looked the same as Loyola Chicago’s. Each team came from the Horizon League, but quickly the Ramblers rose to national prominence and the Beacons have struggled. Injuries and transfers have hindered Valpo’s ability to succeed.

Head coach Matt Lottich doesn’t complain and maintains a competitive fire and the hope for better things. While Valpo has struggled in league play (35-56) it seems like they’re putting the pieces together.

All-League forward Ben Krikke is back along with the impressive Kobe King. Returning young guards surround those two efficient scorers and accomplished transfers dot the lineup in a way that looks more promising than past teams. King believes this year’s team members are a better fit than previous collections of Valpo players.

The Beacons have more size than recent teams and a greater collection of veteran players. Nick Edwards, Quinton Green are Division 2 grad-transfers and Jerome Palm and Ibra Bayu are Netherlands’ natives with good size and international playing experience.

Lottich and King tell us the Beacon coaching staff is putting the pieces together.

 

 

Returning sophomore guards Preston Ruedinger and Darius Deaveiro could play a key role in the Beacons’ hopes for climbing the Missouri Valley Conference power structure.

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